Chapter 2: The Ceremony Causes a Turbulence
As soon as Du Heng stepped into the west courtyard, the maid Chun Nuan came to greet him: "Young Master, you've returned just in time. Madam just asked Xue Yuan to come and ask about you."
Du Heng nodded and said, "Mother, is there something urgent you need from me?"
Three years ago, Du Heng won first place in the autumn imperial examination, becoming the youngest candidate to receive the title of Jieyuan (School of Science and Technology). He had hoped to make his mark in the following spring's imperial examination, but his father, then Minister of Rites, passed away due to illness, leaving his mother, Madam Cheng, depressed for a long time. For three years, he stayed away from the examinations, observing mourning and refusing visitors. Only this summer, after his mourning period ended, did he resume his preparations for the exam.
Now there is still more than a year to go before the next round of Spring Examination, and Cheng obviously attaches more importance to it than he does.
He had already informed his mother about yesterday's literary appreciation meeting. When Chunnuan mentioned that his mother had sent someone to ask, he wondered if something was wrong.
Chun Nuan shook her head and explained with a smile: "Madam just wanted to see if you were back?"
As she answered, her hands did not stop, and she quickly changed her master into clean casual clothes, and told the little girl to bring a basin of hot water.
Because he didn't want to worry his mother, Du Heng simply washed up and went to the East Courtyard.
Cheng had just heard Xue Yuan's report. She was a little worried because the snow outside had not melted yet and the road was too slippery. But she didn't expect her son to come back so soon.
Indeed, Heng had never given her much worry since childhood. He began learning at the age of three, could write essays at seven, topped the examination at twelve, and won the title of "Jieyuan" at fifteen. She had thought he would continue his success and win the first place in the imperial examination the following spring, but unexpectedly, her husband passed away due to a sudden illness.
That year was like a house falling apart, the sky collapsing and the earth splitting apart for her. She was so confused that she had no idea what year it was. Fortunately, Heng Ge'er closed the door to visitors during this difficult time, and stabilized her and the entire Du family.
Three years of mourning passed quickly. As a mother, she was grateful for her son's filial piety, but also felt regret that he had not been able to achieve his ambitions. Therefore, she attached great importance to the next year of exam preparation and did not want any disturbance to distract him.
Therefore, when her sister-in-law Rong asked her to allow her niece from her hometown to stay temporarily at the Du Mansion, she was quite hesitant.
That day, Rong, the sister-in-law who always stayed in the side courtyard and never went out of the main gate or the second gate, came to the east courtyard with a gift box.
Cheng invited Rong to take the seat. As soon as she sat down, Rong pushed the gift box in front of Cheng and said, "Brother Heng is the incarnation of Wenquxing. This copy of 'Strategy Reading and Explanation', written by a famous scholar of the previous dynasty, is just the icing on the cake. It can only be used as a way to entertain Brother Heng."
Many officials in the imperial court came from Jiangnan. The father of his brother's wife Rong had many students in Jiangnan and had a good reputation. Cheng knew that the things Rong mentioned so casually might not be obtained even with millions of gold. Rong's gift really touched Cheng's heart.
Rong was a shrewd and measured person. After her frail second uncle passed away, she requested to retire to a side courtyard, claiming she hadn't borne any children for the Du family in the year since her arrival. Over the years, she had been courteous and respectful, giving Cheng, the head of the household, ample respect and never causing any trouble.
The only time she assumed the role of Second Lady of the Du Mansion was when Cheng, grieving the loss of her husband, was unable to manage the household, and the old lady, ill after losing her second son, fell ill. At that time, the mansion was in turmoil. Although Heng was in charge, he was still young, and as a man, there were some matters he couldn't intervene in. At that crucial moment, it was thanks to Rong that she stepped out of the side courtyard, assumed the airs of Second Lady, and assisted Heng in making decisions, ultimately stabilizing the Du Mansion.
After more than a month, Cheng, who was born into a branch of the Duke's Mansion, finally regained her strength. Rong, without saying a word, simply retreated to the side courtyard and became the pure and unselfish second wife of the Du Mansion again.
Cheng had always kept this affection in her heart. Now that she saw Rong was not hiding anything and telling her the truth, she realized that she had made up her mind to bring her niece to her side.
"My niece is a pitiful child. Her mother, my biological sister, died when she was three. She was therefore raised by my mother from childhood. Her father was a foolish man. After marrying a second wife and having children, he paid even less attention to her. He took her home when she was twelve, but after only two years, he couldn't tolerate her anymore."
Rong sighed softly and continued, "Although my niece's surname is Su, she was raised in the Rong family after all. With the Rong family's tradition and connections, the family she finds in the capital will definitely not be as careless as her stepmother. Her mother and I have been close since childhood. As her aunt, how can I just stand by and watch? I am truly heartbroken to see her in this situation now. If it weren't for the last resort, why would I step out of the side courtyard and ask my sister-in-law for help this time."
Having said that, Cheng had no reason to refuse, but she was still worried about Heng'er's preparation for the exam.
Seeing her holding the teacup for a long time without taking a sip, Rong Shi thought she was still hesitant, so she added, "This year is very important for Heng'er. After my niece comes, she will just live with me in the side courtyard. She will definitely not disturb Heng'er's study and writing."
Cheng Shi was exposed by Rong Shi's words. She looked embarrassed and said with a smile, "What are you talking about, sister-in-law? I was just thinking that the room in your courtyard might not be enough. Should I build another one?"
Seeing her goal achieved, Rong Shi stopped dragging her feet and stood up to express her gratitude, "It's great that you agreed, sister-in-law. Although the side courtyard is small, it's just one more child living there. There's no need to make a big fuss. Thank you for your consideration."
Just now, Du Shun's family reported that Rong's niece was dressed simply and behaved politely. True to Rong's words, she carried on the Rong family tradition. Cheng's anxiety finally eased, and when she heard her son had arrived at the East Courtyard, she immediately ordered breakfast to be served.
Du Heng entered his mother's room and knelt before Cheng, saying, "I had such a great time discussing literature with my friends last night that it was already three o'clock in the morning. I'm sorry I've been so unfilial and caused you to worry."
Mrs. Cheng looked at her handsome and elegant son, who was so filial and respectful, and smiled with satisfaction. She hurriedly pulled him to his feet and said, "You studied hard for the exam. I'm so happy. How could I blame you? I was just worried about your safe return, as the roads were slippery in the snow."
Seeing Xue Yuan bring in the lunch box, she stood up and took her son to the dining table, saying, "I guess you haven't eaten yet, so I specially asked someone to make some red date and lotus seed soup. Eating it on a snowy day will help you fight off the cold from the journey."
"Thanks to my mother, son."
Du Heng took a seat, and only after Cheng nodded did he pick up the spoon to taste the food, taking each spoonful carefully, just like when he was a child, obedient and sensible.
Cheng was relieved to see this, and as if she had thought of something, she took the initiative to mention it to him: "Today, your second aunt's niece came from her hometown to stay with us. I thought I would mention it to you first, so that you won't be confused if you meet her someday."
Du Heng had just finished his bowl and politely declined his mother's offer of another. He replied nonchalantly, "Just now, when I returned home, I saw a woman standing at the corner gate, exchanging formal greetings with Madam Li. I'm sure it must be my second aunt's cousin."
Du Heng had a calm expression. He picked up the tea bowl, drank the tea and rinsed his mouth.
"Second Aunt comes from a family of scholars, and I imagine this cousin is no less distinguished. Since we've agreed to let her stay, we must be courteous and not act too arrogantly. However, these servants, who are used to looking after guests, are so indifferent to distant guests. If word gets out, it will certainly damage the reputation of the mansion. Mother has always been a good housekeeper, and I thought it would be best to teach them a lesson beforehand to prevent them from following suit and flattering the powerful and undermining the rules of the mansion."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
